Try crossfit! Just be sure it’s a place that will support you no matter what your level, will keep you safe, and will let you have fun along the way, making it a "perfect fit” for you. This was not what I experienced at Iron Tribe Fitness. I was inspired by Chef Shannon to try Iron Tribe Fitness. Shannon vouched for it and absolutely loved it. She couldn’t stop going on about her happiness with the results. I decided to give it a go as well.Week One: Day 1: We completed a base test that included running, squats, and assorted moves and exercises. I was so out of shape! I was sure I was going to either pass out or throw up. As it turned out, I waited to throw up until I got home. For not knowing if I could run at all with a busted knee, I was quite proud that I went as far as I did. I’m not a fan of running in the dark, unable to see, in the freezing cold, with ice on the ground, and not to mention all without stretching previously beforehand. I’m still proud. Go me! I’m told I have good form. SWEET! Day 2: My new tribal friend, Mike, and I laughed while we waited for class to start. My second new tribal friend, Staci, and I chuckled when I told her my legs were sore. I had to sit down like a pregnant woman all day. Then I had to figure out how the heck to get back up. Today was a new day, and we were ready. I discovered I really like the rowing machine, minus the struggle to get out of it. I did push ups on the rack, because after several surgeries, I’ve been left too weak to hold up my own body. I joked and laughed at my own weaknesses as usual. I knew my arms were going to hurt. I did extra stretching at home. I was told once again that I have good form. This is nice, because even though I was behind, at least I had something to hold on to. Day 3: We ran again because it’s warmer, in the dark, with the ground full of puddles from melted ice that we find by accident. This soaked our shoes and socks. Still not a fan, but I ran somewhat well, so YA! My new tribal friend, Laura, started to get a little frustrated. I took the opportunity to cheer her on and to keep going. I know I have to do the easiest version every time. I’m slower and have to take a lot of breaks, and sometimes I can’t even finish. I was still proud. I tried to joke and make fun of myself in order to not get caught up in the frustration. I’m ready to have a break.Week Two: I began to hurt a little less. I was making great new tribal friends. We teased Mike some. He’s a young, mean machine that is just blowing through everything, but we also cheered him on even though he didn’t really need it. We laughed and tried to make the class light since several of us struggle. Mike said he liked working out with us silly girls. I really love Staci! Even though she gets so focused on trying to survive that she loses the ability to count. I helped her out by yelling “STOP STACI” and laughing. We had a good time, even though I slowed her down which caused us to finish last. I love Laura, Kati, and Mike, too. I can tell we’re going to be great friends after this. Knowing I can’t do pull ups for medical reasons, I bowed out and choose rings. They’re still hard but more doable. Staci joined me because she’s really nice. I realized there are three groups to this tribe: 1. The “youngsters” that can conquer anything. 2. The people that said they were out of shape, but still excelled in all exercises. 3. Me….medically limited, struggling with every exercise, and whose number one goal was to not throw up in front of everyone. I can still do this. Day 3: This day was the most difficult. They asked me to do a lot of things I can’t physically do. I tried it all the same. I chose to do the easiest version of Burpies, and then took a break while everyone else practiced the jumping version. That earned me the name “Debbie Downer”. I was not really happy about it. No one should call you that. And besides, a Debbie Downer I am not! I was doing my best to keep up and not complain, but actually staying cheerful and encouraging. Later, I tried to encourage Staci to keep going. We got a snide remark that “obviously it wasn’t hard enough if we were talking,” followed later by “Not talking now, huh?” I was really upset at this point. There was a lot of negative feedback that day. I was ready to go home. I was not as upset as about how bad they made me feel when I was honestly doing my best. The next day I was still upset. I sent management an email stating that they didn’t really know us. The tribe should not put us down. The tribe should cheer us on for our small accomplishments. I’m really upset because they made me feel bad, and I’m not sure I want to return. The response email came from the coordinator. He told me that the trainers knew plenty about the athletes. 90% of the athletes love their relationships with the trainers before they ever see results. (Apparently I’m in the 10%...) I was told that with the coaches’ feedback, it seemed that this was “not a good fit.” The tribe “only promotes a positive environment,” which I was not doing. Wow! You’ve got to be kidding. Truly the pot calling the kettle black. I still stand by my opinion. They can’t possibly know anything about me or my medical history when they only asked me this one question, “So tell me who Stormi is…” Having said that, I don’t believe this is the experience everyone has. A few of my friends have gone through the program and absolutely loved it. I didn’t mind it myself until they started criticizing rather than encouraging. I can see how crossfit is a great workout. I do suggest that you try other sports to help you get in shape before taking on crossfit. It’s definitely a workout. Fitbit says I was averaging 2,000 calories per session. I found out there was still a lot that I can’t do. But at least I can jog short distances with a busted knee, and that’s pretty impressive. In the end, they were right. We’re “not a good fit.” I like being able to cheer people on, and I’m not willing to be verbally abused by anyone. As they say, ain’t got time for that!#SurvivingOurStorms#ChasingStormiAdventures